A search is under way for two gunmen who robbed a bank but dropped at least some of the money taken after dye packs exploded Tuesday.

FBI agents have taken control of the investigation, aided by Central Precinct officers, K-9 units, a police helicopter and various Savannah-Chatham police detective and forensics units.

The men walked into the Savannah Bank branch in Medical Arts Shopping Center on Waters Avenue about 11:15 a.m.,

ordered occupants of the bank to the floor, and took an undisclosed amount of money, said Julian Miller, police spokesman.

Police tracked the men across several blocks toward DeRenne Avenue, locking down a path several blocks wide between 63rd Street and Derrenne. They discovered a mask and glove and later an amount of money, all with indications that a dye pack had detonated.

Police searched several businesses and buildings in the area for the two black males, each slender and about 6 feet tall. One was wearing a green hoodie and the other black pants.

Anyone with information on the robery, the gunmen or anyone with red dye on them is asked to call Crimestoppers at 912-234-2020 or text CRIMES (274627). Tipsters remain anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward.

Arrest made in false fire calls

Savannah Fire and Emergency Services investigators have arrested a Savannah man in connection with a series of false reports of structure fires.

Investigators have charged 40-year-old Antonio Jackson with four counts of unlawful conduct during a 911 call, said Mark Keller, Savannah Fire spokesman. The charges are misdemeanors.

Investigators allege Jackson made several calls to 911 to report non-existent structure fires on his street. The calls were placed to the 911 communications center on April 23, 25 and 27 and May 2 with the caller reporting structure fires at various addresses in the 1100 block of Springfield Street.

Keller said investigators charged Jackson following an afternoon interview with him. He is being held at the Chatham County jail.

One hurt in motorcycle crash

One man remains in an intensive care unit but two other motorcyclists escaped serious injury Monday night when the motorcycles they were riding collided with a car.

His brother, Christopher Roman, 23, and a passenger on his motorcycle, Jeffery Taylor, 24, of Ellabell were transported to area hospitals for treatment of road rash and released.

The two brothers were headed west on Fort Argyle Road at a high rate of speed when their motorcycles collided with a black Infiniti I-35. Both motorcycles struck the side of the Infiniti.

Metro’s Major Accident Investigation Team continues to investigate.

Officers would like to talk to anyone who witnessed the accident. Witnesses can contact the SCMPD traffic unit at 912-525-2421 or Crimestoppers at 912-234-2020.

Alleged bell bandit arrested

Savannah-Chatham police have arrested one man and more arrests could be forthcoming after the recovery of an antique bell.

On April 29, James Grantham, 41, was working in the 500 Block of Oglethorpe Avenue helping with the renovation of a local parish, said Gena Sullivan, police spokeswoman.

The next morning the victim returned to find the parish antique bell missing and Grantham gone as well. She reported the incident and gave police a description of the 400 pound bell. Grantham was listed as a suspect.

On May 2, Grantham was also listed as a suspect in a burglary in the 400 Block of Liberty Street. Police located him and he was arrested. He told police he sold the bell.

Throughout their investigation, and after talking to witnesses, detectives discovered the bell actually changed hands three times. More arrests are a possibility as this is an ongoing investigation, Sullivan said.

Teenager blamed for house fire

Unattended cooking is being cited as the cause of a late afternoon house fire on Savannah’s southside.

Savannah Fire & Emergency Services firefighters were sent to 14 Vineyard Drive just before 4:20 p.m. on reports of a structure fire, said Mark Keller, department spokesman. Firefighters found heavy smoke coming from the front door and windows of the one-story brick home.

Once inside the house, they were met with flames in the living room and kitchen/dining room areas. They were able to completely extinguish the fire within about 10 minutes. The house sustained extensive fire damage in the kitchen/dining area and living room. The remainder of the house sustained heavy smoke and water damage.

Although two children were home at the time of the fire, neither was actually inside the residence when the flames erupted. Information obtained at the scene indicates that a teenager had started cooking and then left the kitchen unattended. The fire broke out while both children were outside the house. There were no injuries as a result of the fire; however two adults and the two children have been displaced because of the blaze. The American Red Cross is assisting the family with alternate living arrangements.

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